Jury Convicts Pair in Albany Party Shooting
A jury found Raa'jiem Coleman and Marcel Perry guilty for their roles in a 2021 shooting that left one person dead.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Violence
An Albany jury has convicted Raa'jiem Coleman of second-degree murder and Marcel Perry of weapon possession following a 2021 shooting at a party. The incident, which occurred on Central Avenue, resulted in the death of 35-year-old Shanita Thomas and left five people wounded.
Why it matters
The convictions stem from a gang-related dispute that escalated into violence, resulting in multiple charges across four different defendants. The legal proceedings highlight the ongoing efforts to address gun violence incidents that have impacted the local community.
A jury convicted Raa'jiem Coleman of second-degree murder and attempted murder, while Marcel Perry was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon. Vramir Branch and Terrence Anthony previously pleaded guilty to weapon possession charges.
The players
Raa'jiem Coleman
He was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder for his role in the 2021 shooting.
Marcel Perry
He was convicted of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the incident.
Shanita Thomas
The 35-year-old victim was fatally struck by gunfire while attending a party in Albany.
Terrence Anthony
He pleaded guilty to weapon possession and faces a 12-year prison sentence.
Vramir Branch
He entered a plea deal for weapon possession that includes a 10-year prison sentence.
The details
The shooting was rooted in a gang dispute between Coleman and Branch against Perry and Anthony, leading to a stray bullet striking Thomas. An attorney, Jasper L. Mills III, was also indicted in a separate legal development involving the disclosure of a confidential witness name.
Timeline
January 30, 2021: Shanita Thomas was fatally shot at a party.
October 2022: Coleman, Perry, and Anthony were indicted.
October 14, 2026: Anthony and Branch pleaded guilty to weapon charges.
December 18, 2026: Sentencing for Anthony and Branch.
January 15, 2027: Sentencing for Coleman and Perry.
Legal Context
The prosecution of the 2021 Albany Central Avenue shooting incident sets a significant benchmark for handling gang-related violent crime in Albany County Court. These convictions reflect recent trends in how regional authorities are addressing multi-defendant firearm cases.
The resolution of this case marks a significant step in the judicial process for the Albany community affected by the 2021 party shooting. Residents can look toward the upcoming sentencing dates in December and January for the final closure of these court proceedings.
The takeaway
The successful prosecution of these defendants underscores the legal system's commitment to addressing gang-related gun violence in public spaces. Communities can observe the conclusion of this complex multi-defendant case as the court moves to formal sentencing early next year.
Further reading
For more on local efforts to address firearm offenses, visit Albany Violence.
